Lessons learned and new plans in place
A major review of the effects of the 2017-2018 winter – including February’s notorious‘Beast From The East’– has been undertaken and the findings were used to help shape new NHS plans.
Some GP surgeries will be open on the public holidays Boxing Day and January 2 this winter, as well as on the Saturdays of January 5 and January12.
This will build on the success of the GPs opening on Saturdays during January 2018 and the“associated positive impact”felt by A&Es in terms of reduced attendances/opportunities to re-direct.
Craig Cunningham, NHS Lanarkshire’s winter planning lead, said:“Like other boards across Scotland, last winter NHS Lanarkshire experienced a significant increase in the number of patients being admitted into our hospitals with respiratory conditions. In some cases these conditions can aggravate underlying long-term conditions and may have impacted on the sick and elderly last winter.
“People who are over 65, pregnant or have a health condition, as well as NHS Lanarkshire staff, should take up the offer of a free flu vaccination.
“We’d also encourage parents and carers to have their children vaccinated. Pre-school and primary children will be offered a nasal spray which will help prevent school-based outbreaks as well as the spread to parents and grandparents. Vaccination really is the best way to protect yourself and others from the effects of flu.
“We have a well-developed, health and social care joint approach to winter planning which we improve every year with innovative approaches to ensure we can provide a rapid and effective response during the periods of greatest pressure.”